Thundering Word posts second victory of season

Marshall University's Thundering Word Speech and Debate Team won its second tournament of the season this past weekend at the RedHawk Rumble Invitational Tournament hosted by Miami University on the campus of Butler University in Indianapolis.

Marshall defeated four of the country's best teams, two of which had larger entries than the Thundering Word. Marshall finished first, followed by Ball State University, Bradley University, Eastern Michigan University and Illinois State University.

For the first time Marshall had at least one finalist in every event. Each of these four teams finished in the top 10 at nationals last year. For the first time in the history of the team, Marshall received the Quality Award.

"This award is given to the team who has the highest average points per slot entered into the tournament," said Coach Danny Ray. "Marshall had 38 entries and 16 of them reached the final round. We also had several students who were seventh in their event. This would be the next person to reach the final round in those events."

Marshall also had three students win Individual Sweepstakes Awards, meaning they were three of the best speakers overall in the tournament. To be eligible for this award, students had to enter four or more events. Marshall team members placed first, third and fifth in this category.